1. Going Open Plan
'Open-living is still extremely popular as it helps to enhance the space and increases natural light,' says Heather Barrigan from MyJobQuote. 'However, taking on this job involves a lot of work, as you will need to knock down a few walls to get the job done. It is also relatively expensive, as the cost to remove partition walls and remove a doorway can be at least $2,000/£1,500.'
2. Extending A Room (And Losing A Bedroom)
From extending an existing bedroom for more space to create a spacious master suite to creating the ultimate in luxe storage - a walk-in closet - expanding an existing room (and losing an a bedroom in the process) is a pretty poor investment if you plan to sell your home in the coming years.
3. Installing A Swimming Pool
Another effect the pandemic has had on our lives at home is that we're spending more time outdoors and improving our outdoor spaces is high on our lists of priorities. Installing a swimming pool in your garden - provided it's big enough - can be an enormously complicated job and requires a fair deal of year-round maintenance, too.
'While a swimming pool is a standout feature that anyone would love,' agrees Heather, 'they're actually so expensive despite such a low return investment, with installation costs up to $90,000/£60,000 more.' The British climate also has its downsides. 'It's an especially bad investment for properties in England,' she adds 'as the weather isn’t exactly the best for a day by the pool.'
4. Investing In High-End Appliances
If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen and are a keen cook, spending as much as possible on the best appliances may be high on your list of investments. However, if you have plans to move in several years, you may want to hold off on those expensive purchases and plump for something a little less high-end. 'Some high-end appliances cost double the amount of average appliances,' says Heather, 'despite broadly having the same features, so it’s important to remember that names aren’t everything.'
While you can bring your appliances with you when you move house, this obviously isn't an option when dealing with built-in appliances, and more often than not, it's advisable to sell your home with all the fixtures and fittings intact.
5. Installing A Wine Cellar
Only true wine aficionados would even consider installing a wine cellar in their home, and the cost and expense involved would really have to warrant at least few decades use, too.
6. Landscaping A Garden
Landscaping a garden professionally is costly: think around $4,000/£3,000 on average – and it the vast majority of cases it's a home improvement that won't add to the value of your home. In fact, you're more likely to lose money overall or perhaps break even if you're lucky.
7. An Attic Conversion
This entry is a rather surprising one for us at M, and it's worth researching before planning your next move. A attic or loft conversion is the most expensive project of all, costing an average of $40,000/£29,000. While it also adds the most value at an estimated 10.8%, this equates to just /$33,000/£25,700 on the current average house price resulting in a loss of $7,000/£3,300.
8. Fitting Solar Panels
Solar panels add the least value for potential homebuyers at just 0.5%. This equates to just $1,600/£1,190 added in value but the job will set you back $6,400/£4,750 on average, resulting in an overall loss of $4,800/£3,560.